Iraq reports 421 cases of sexual violence in the first half of 2024

BAGHDAD  — A report from the Sexual Assault Division of Iraq’s Forensic Medicine Department has documented 421 cases of sexual assault and violence across the country in the first six months of 2024.

Dr. Lina Asaad, head of the Sexual Assault Division, presented the report, which revealed that women were disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately 78% of the cases. Of the 421 victims, 327 were female and 94 were male, with the cases spanning all age groups.

“Most cases were referred by investigative and judicial authorities,” Dr. Asaad explained, “accompanied by official documents, including a recent photograph of the victim and a stamped left arm, all verified by the referring authority.” She emphasized the importance of “privacy and confidentiality for survivors of sexual violence,” noting that these cases are handled by a specialized team of experienced forensic doctors due to their “critical importance and sensitive nature.”

The Sexual Assault Division is tasked with addressing a wide range of sexual abuse cases, including rape, sexual violence, and assaults on both children and adults.

However, the reported figures only represent a fraction of the true number of cases. The absence of a specialized law addressing domestic and sexual violence in Iraq, combined with deep-rooted social stigmas and cultural barriers, means that many incidents go unreported. Victims often face immense pressure to remain silent due to fear of shame, retaliation, or a lack of faith in the justice system, leading to widespread underreporting. Additionally, many cases are resolved through reconciliation or are not pursued further due to insufficient evidence.

Article 393 of the Iraqi Penal Code imposes “life imprisonment or a fixed-term imprisonment” for anyone who “engages in sexual intercourse with a female without her consent.” The crime is considered aggravated under several circumstances, including if the victim is under 18 years of age, if the perpetrator is a relative, guardian, or someone with authority over the victim, or if the offender is a government employee, religious leader, or medical professional. The penalty is also more severe if the assault involves multiple perpetrators or if the victim contracts a sexually transmitted disease as a result of the attack.